Skip to main content
Advertising
Powered by

Inbox: Don't take it for granted

You can’t help but wonder who’s the next Day 3 find?

General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur
General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur

Tyler from Grayslake, IL

How do you think the draft selection of Matthew Golden enhances the overall flow of the offense as a unit?

It's a huge plus. Golden's 4.29 speed makes an entire offense better because it challenges a secondary vertically. The Packers already had several skill-position players who attract the attention of the opposition (see below).

Charles from Statham, GA

If my research was accurate, with Golden (4.29), Mecole Hardman (4.33), and Bo Melton (4.34), we have a trio of "fast" receivers. Add Christian Watson (4.36) when he returns, and we have a quad of receives that all ran the 40 in under 4.36. Talk about the potential for the fastest show on turf.

As we talked about Monday, playing receiver is more than just how fast you run, but that speed presents a major problem for defenses when you consider the ways Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave can produce from the tight end position, as well. Oh, and then there's Josh Jacobs who can bulldoze through a defensive front.

Alex from Bethany, CT

Reading your comment about Johnathan Baldwin's production as a slot defender coupled with the Packers having an abundance of DBs that can play the slot ( Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Javon Bullard), it appears slot DBs are more highly valued in Jeff Hafley's scheme. With only Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine as more natural outside CBs, am I interpreting how Brian Gutekunst is building the secondary correctly?

I think what you're witnessing is the wall coming down between perimeter and slot cornerbacks, especially with how Nixon and Hobbs can play either inside or outside. In many ways, building a five-man nickel secondary is like constructing a starting five on the offensive line in that you need DBs who can play multiple positions to navigate a full season. In Baldwin's case, I think it was UNLV putting one of its top defensive playmakers in a position to affect the game to the fullest.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Several comments now from you guys and Matt LaFleur about Anthony Belton's size…Exciting. Does he have "first off the bus" rights? And can you give me a personal reference point? I know he's not with us anymore, but I stood next to Caleb Jones once at training camp and I was looking at his belly button. How does he compare?

I would say so, yes. Belton isn't just tall, though. He is thick. Like Aaron Banks, I can't wait to see him on the grass this summer. I don't know where the Packers' offensive line will rank in the NFL as far as size, but it has the potential to be the biggest starting five I've covered if Belton finds his way in there.

Adam from Long Branch, NJ

With Mark Murphy set to retire in mid-July, will he still be able to attend the annual meeting of shareholders, assuming the meeting takes place just days after he steps down? I imagine a major part of that meeting will be shareholders embracing Ed Policy while simultaneously celebrating all that Murphy did for the organization. Seems like a meeting Packers fans won't want to miss.

The shareholders meeting will serve as the official passing of the torch to Policy. While I don't know what the agenda will call for, I'm quite confident the organization will do something special to honor Murphy and everything he accomplished in his 17-plus years with the Packers.

John from Stevens Point, WI

What is next on the schedule after rookie camp? Is anything mandatory for players anymore?

The veterans were back in the building on Monday for the third week of the offseason program. Rookies return next week. Organized team activities begin May 27.

Lee from Clifton Park, NY

Hi II, how do any of the tryout players impress enough to earn a spot when the practices are more or less a jog-through? It must be hard for the competitors not to give 100%.

It may be difficult to sign straightaway, but that rookie minicamp is often the beginning of the free-agent rolodex for the Packers. After training camp gets underway, I can't tell you how many times Green Bay has signed a player who previously attended Packers rookie minicamp on tryout. Even Lucas Patrick – one of Green Bay's biggest tryout success stories – didn't sign immediately after the minicamp.

Gary from Richmond, VA

Was there a rookie camp tryout player that caught your eye other than the QB from Canada?

Not really, but again it wasn't that sort of practice. There was towering 6-foot-9 punter Brendan Hall, but obviously the Packers are set there with Daniel Whelan. This is a good time to shout out Jack Studer, the UW-La Crosse wideout. It's always neat seeing a WIAC player or two get a look.

George from Grafton, WI

Wes, I enjoyed your article about Matthew Golden. I am excited to see him on the field. Dare I say the second "Golden Boy" in Packer history forthcoming. Thoughts?

I've said this a few times now, but what excites me the most about Golden is how motivated he is to maximize all the physical gifts he's been given. He's fast, but you don't just roll out of bed and run a 4.29. Golden has worked for it and he's gonna keep working for it. He knows what this opportunity means, both for himself and his loved ones.

The Green Bay Packers finished their last day of rookie minicamp in the Don Hutson Center on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Jeff from Montclair, VA

Morning! Loved the question and response regarding the coaches and football ops staff being in alignment. It's certainly worked out for the Packers for a while. Can you think of an era in Green Bay, or maybe another team, where they weren't in alignment, or just as bad, had group think, to the detriment of the team? I'm thinking maybe Ray Rhodes' one-and-done head coaching gig in Green Bay. Thoughts?

Green Bay has had a good thing going for a long time, but it wasn't always that way. Cliff has done a fine job of chronicling the internal disagreements that saw the Packers take Charles Johnson over Joe Montana in 1979 and Rich Campbell over Ronnie Lott in 1981. It's not easy getting an entire coaching staff and personnel department rowing in the same direction. Seemingly every year at least one NFL team tears down their operation. When things are going well, don't take it for granted.

Orv from Myrtle Beach, SC

After reading Monday's comment "Pro Bowl & Hall of Fame careers have started in that shoe room," and since my father and grandfather were cobblers in Wisconsin, is there someone on staff to get not only the proper fit but also to make internal changes to the shoe such as heel inserts, etc., as needed?

Absolutely. I believe those duties start with the legendary Tom "T-Bone" Bakken, but the Packers have one of the most well-rounded and knowledgeable equipment departments in all pro sports. Player comfort is a must. Whatever guys need, the equipment staff make it happen.

Steve from Ankeny, IA

Reading the Bill from San Antonio, TX, comment about enjoying watching the new guys picking up their equipment made me think. One of those guys (hopefully more) could be a Pro Bowl or Hall of Fame player for the Packers. What a day for those young men.

During my first couple years with the Packers, I recall Ted Thompson and a few of the scouts sitting in the locker room when the rookies were getting their equipment. I can't imagine the pride they must have felt about all the legwork that went into bringing those young men into the Packers' locker room while pondering which player might be the next All-Pro or Hall of Famer in the Green and Gold.

Jeff from Indian Lake, NY

Thinking about how you really never know what players will emerge, regardless of draft position. For example, see Evan Williams from last season. Could you imagine if Barryn Sorrell has that kind of impact this year? Or Micah Robinson follows in Carrington Valentine's footsteps? Sign me up!

You gotta think one of the best parts of being an NFL talent evaluator is finding a player like Williams, who went from fourth-round pick to a member of the PFWA All-Rookie team. The Packers welcomed five more Day 3 rookies in the building last week…you can't help but wonder who's the next Day 3 find?

John from Palmdale, CA

Greetings, II. Would you say the Packers picking up the fifth-year option on Devonte Wyatt rather than Quay Walker reflects more on the current needs of their respective position rooms than their value as individual players?

I think the media takes the fifth-year option more personally than players do. The Packers didn't exercise the fifth-year option on Jordan Love, choosing instead to do a one-year extension to protect both sides. Why the Packers exercised the option on Wyatt and not Walker could be a million things, including where things are at with talks on long-term extensions. You just don't know unless you're in the room.

Derrick from Dell Rapids, SD

South Dakota State players have a great history of producing for the Pack. Adam Timmerman, then Tucker Kraft. And now, undrafted free agent Amar Johnson, just saying history is on his side!

North and South Dakota State are technically FCS schools, but they're turning out NFL prospects better than half the FBS. I believe it was Gutekunst who referenced how well-respected those programs have become in the scouting world. Maybe Johnson is the latest Jackrabbit to make an impact.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I know in many cases that the later-round picks' and undrafted FAs' best chance to make the 53-man roster is on special teams. In the case of Collin Oliver, he seems to be a natural for special teams because of his size and speed. Did Oliver play ST in college? Same question on the undrafted FA?

It's my understanding Oliver didn't play a ton of special teams in college, but that's not a surprise. Mike Gundy's Christian McCaffrey comparison for Oliver tells you everything about how busy Oliver was defensively on gamedays. Oliver seems tailormade for "We-fense," though, with his combination of size and speed. There aren't many 240-pound dudes who run in the 4.5s with 24 bench reps of 225. We haven't had a chance to talk to Rich Bisaccia or the other assistants yet, but I'd imagine he has a smile on his face seeing Oliver on the roster.

Tony from Wauwatosa, WI

Who was the last Green Bay Packers player to play both offense and defense in the same game?

Nixon saw action in all three phases during the 2023 home opener against New Orleans, gaining 11 yards on what remains his first and only NFL offensive snap.

Tyler from Stetsonville, WI

In response to Scott from Sauk City's comments on Super Bowl XXXI gear, I too have seen more and more people repping that merch. I appreciate that the Pro Shop has added a lot of gear, too (need the SB 31 crew sweatshirt). I don't know if other teams do that, but it makes sense for GB. I think they should keep adding to those collections for Super Bowls I, II, XXXI, XLV. I've had the same SB 31 hat in my closet since I was a kid. I'm not sure how many we have, but between my dad and myself it must be about five.

That's the other part of it – it'd been 29 years since the Packers had appeared in the Super Bowl, let alone won it. That makes Super Bowl XXXI a unique accomplishment for Packers fans regardless of age.

Rob from Wilmington, NC

To spin off of the route-running posts, I wish on TV broadcasts they would make a point to show where the receivers are when the QB throws the ball. Even mediocre looking throws are way more precise than I could ever throw. A small difference in where the cut is made or misread by QB or receiver can make a huge difference.

Everyone at this level can throw it but who can aim it while 11 of the best athletes this country has to offer are working against you? That's one of the first things I noticed about Love in 2023. He can put the ball on his receiver through traffic.

Bob from Rome, NY

Gentlemen, I read over the weekend that the new elementary school being built in Green Bay will be called Starr Elementary. What a great honor for a wonderful family! Thank you!

That's such an awesome story and a wonderful tribute to Bart and Cherry Starr, who did so much for the Green Bay area and entire state of Wisconsin.

Jeffery from Monticello, WI

Hello II, if I could be granted one wish it would be for three more wishes. With those it would be for this team to win three more Super Bowls, money (of course), and Spoff and Hod to answer this post.

That's a whole lotta threes…and maybe our next submission for Outsider Inbox. Have a great Tuesday.

Insider Inbox

Insider Inbox

Join Packers.com writers as they answer the fans' questions in Insider Inbox

Advertising